Principles

"We're closed," said the stout middle-aged baker with flour-dusted hair and a rugged face.

He wore a simple apron stained with dough and flour over his plain tunic. He sensed Adam and Rowan approach his shop as he was tidying up.

"Marlow, it's me," Rowan suddenly called out as he hurried to the baker.

The baker kept down the chairs that he was planning to take inside the store. Then, he glanced at the man with a surprised look. "Oh, Rowan? What is it? I'm afraid I don't have any leftover bread left."

He pointed at the dirtied bread Rowan was holding with a slight frown. "That was the last of it."

"Err…" Rowan was deeply embarrassed. He secretly glanced at Adam who was approaching the bakery, wondering if he had overheard it.

He's a magus, of course, he heard it! The man thought to himself.

Adam approached the bakery and glanced at the items displayed. Then he looked at the baker and ordered, "I'll take two sweet bun rolls."